Home Daddy

Winter colds.

2007-02-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

This year we all got sick as a family twice. Just as we were getting over a cold and starting to feel normal again. We got another bug this time it came with a fever. This was Taylor's first time feeling miserable, the other times didn't seem to slow her down at all. This time she had a fever and not much energy. For the first time I was worried, there must be something I can do to make her feel better. It was heart breaking having to watch her in so much discomfort. Now that she is feeling better, and back to drawing on the walls I am relieved that it's all over for now. One thing we found to be helpful in addition to medicine were Popsicles, which we made out of Gatorade. When we got sick the first time I dug out the Vick's vaporizer, the one that is supposed to emit steam with medicated vapor. After setting it up and running it for the first night I found that it didn't work very well, no steam and very little vapor. So I set out to find something that would work, I saw a commercial for a plug in device that uses little pads. I bought it and was pleasantly surprised, it actually filled the whole room with intense vapor that made it easier to breath all night. (Shameless product plug)

Mylot

2007-02-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

I received a comment on my last post that introduced me to Mylot. I found a nice parenting discussion board, it has a nice community of people that respond to questions and ideas quickly.
They offer a small payment for those who comment and start discussions a lot. I find it a nice place to check into every now and then.

Two referral links:
http://www.mylot.com/?ref=stirringthepot
http://www.mylot.com/?ref=Tynnac
www.mylot.com

Other links written about mylot:
http://earningsfrommylot.blogspot.com/
http://matt608.blogspot.com/search/label/mylot
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061207223358AAHrUDl

Extra money

2007-01-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

Lately I've grown restless wanting to make some extra cash. I'm not looking to get rich working from home, just having the option to take the Jeep out and play in the dirt, go to the shooting range and release tension, or get some small tune up parts for my 260z and spend some me time in the garage. So I've set out to find something I can do in my spare time. Over the past two days and many clicks later I've found companies that advertise making money at home taking surveys or mystery shopping, sounds great I can voice my opinion about stuff and I buy stuff. After a little more surfing I found posts from people who have tried these opportunities only to end up disappointed about the payoff not being worth the time required to fill out the survey. The pay for these jobs are usually gift certificates or points redeemable at certain companies, it's like having the place you work for saying here is your paycheck but you can only spend it here.
Then there is the good old Pyramid scheme and I made $5,000 in my first week ads. Whoa that sounds easy enough if you can scam enough people to sign up under you, plus there is usually a fee. Buy my business plan, program, or starter kit, and you could start making money on your first day. Never Never Never pay to start working, unless you need a new suit, shoes, or a hair cut.
So it's back to staring out the window and wondering how I can get a patent and investor for my invention ideas without start up cash. Until that happens I'll keep searching, something will turn up. Maybe I can find work testing experimental drugs, or skin creams.
With the hours my wife works I can't accept a job that has set daily hours, she has meetings and training classes that take her out of state for up to a week at a time. She is doing very well in her position and looking at a possible promotion. I'm so proud of her :)
I feel better now thanks for listening. Please feel free to voice your opinion.

Winter time

2006-12-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

I wake every morning, lift my head and look out the window to the mountains in hopes to see the snow level drop. I check the forecast and see chance of snow but when the day comes we get nothing. I know it will be here soon enough I just need a little patience. Taylor's snow suit is ready and waiting to do it's best to keep her warm and dry for a fun day of playing in the snow. As my thoughts turn to winter and all of the beautifully painted leaves of Autumn have fallen. I remember last year and the accidents that we witnessed. So I ask please be prepared, patient and safe. The winter time can be beautiful and romantic, lets take some time and enjoy it.

Happy holidays, and good health to all. :)

Anyone?

2006-09-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

I have recently noticed that if there is a cup or any other item within reach that night contain liquid, Taylor likes to pour juice from one cup to another. I was wondering if there is any other baby chemist's out there.

Labor Day Weekend

2006-09-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

We had our first family camping trip which was a lot more relaxing than I thought it would be. I was expecting to be chasing after her and apologizing to our neighbors for the crying baby at 2:00 am. I had a wonderful time, but it pales in comparison to the joy she experienced. We relaxed and watched her running around collecting rocks, trying to get the local chipmunk to let her pet him, and taking many dirt baths. It only took five minutes for this little nature girl to become one with the earth.

(Photo's and video availible on the web site)

;)

New web site.

2006-09-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Announcing Taylor's new web space, 10 meg was just not enough.

HTTP://www.taylorlicon.com/

Wow what a day.

2006-03-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we packed up the Jeep for a day trip to the grandparents. We expected a little weather at the top of the mountains and found it. The rest of the trip was smooth and dry. The high winds had frozen the snow melt, and placed snow drifts in various places along the road. I shifted into 4 wheel drive and continued on slowly. When we got to the top of the pass there were three accidents all within 25 yards of each other, presumably caused by high speed and not having chains on. With plenty of help already there we continued on wondering why anyone would drive on those roads without proper equipment. After two more turns and half way down a long straight away we noticed a pickup coming around the bend ahead of us quite fast, I shook me head and thought to my self what a tool. That is when my heart dropped as I saw the back end pitch out to the left and then back to the right sending her straight into the embankment and causing her to roll over. Once I made sure all traffic was stopped I jumped out to check on the passengers while Melissa called 911. Thankfully with the help of other drivers we got the two ladies out of the truck that was lying on its side and into a warm truck that was following behind them. They were quite shaken but in no physical pain. So I guess what I’m trying to say is please be smart and drive carefully when in winter conditions, we share the road with many other families and it only takes one bad decision to ruin someone’s day or even worse their life.
Last month my wife was hit head on by a driver going too fast in the snow and came across into her lane, thankfully she is ok now. A couple of months ago we witnessed a T-bone accident right in front of us where a lady not paying attention to road signs pulled out in front of car driving 65 mph, she was unable to avoid hitting her. Two days after that Melissa was on her way home from a meeting when she came across a car that had bounced around a two lane highway after trying to avoid hitting a deer. Last year I was driving home form Sacramento when a five car fender bender unfolded all around me, there were cars bouncing off of each other and spinning around in front of me. I still don’t know how I came out of it unscratched. The best tips I can give are, being aware of your surroundings at all times and give yourself plenty of room to respond.

Checking in

2006-02-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to re-direct my energy and time into keeping a cleaner house and spending more time with Taylor. Plus learning web design, I have a site linked here for Taylor's photo page. Comments and suggestions are a great way for me to learn.

Thank you.

2005-12-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

We finally got our snow.

Why I love Teddy

2005-12-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Teddy never tells me to go to bed but likes to be there when I have to.
Teddy likes wet kisses and doesn’t mind when I jump on him.
Teddy is always ready to play on my conditions.
Teddy understands what I say when nobody else does.
Teddy doesn’t mind when we play hide and go seek in the trash can.
Then Teddy gets a bath and has fun like I do.
Teddy gives the best bear hugs.
Teddy will always be my friend and never make me feel bad.

I love you Teddy.

(Story interpreted by dad.)

Bananna as a sleep aid

2005-12-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

To my surprise bananas have tryptophan, and many other benefits than just healthy snack. Check out this web site for some good information.
http://www.karinya.com/bananas.htm

Baby Everest

2005-12-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

Last week I was on the phone and had just pulled Taylor out of her highchair. While I was cleaning the table she had climbed back into the chair and was standing up. My mind was screaming and my heart was skipping like a kid playing hopscotch. I was afraid if I reacted like I felt she might get startled and take a spill, so I calmly walked over to her and lifted her out and onto the floor. Then I sat down to let the adrenaline rush pass since then she has been climbing everything she can get on top of like tables in the back of the couch, I fear the day when I see her standing on the bookshelf.

Oops I did it again.

2005-11-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

When will I learn to not put her to bed without P.J. bottoms. I guess when I get tired of cleanning poop out of the crib and giving her another bath. The bath is fine it's the thought of her in her crib quietly playing with little pooplets. eech

What are your favorite baby items?

2005-11-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

After 15 mo. of being a stay at home dad there are a few things that I can't function without. Like a plentiful stack of clean wash cloths, and a nice selection of quick meals for those days when dinner is running a little late. Some other items are as follows: a good baby manual ( The What to Expect books ), Diaper Genie, a Costco membership for the diapers and wipes, baby monitor, safety latches on all the cabinets not just the dangerous ones ( I do enough cleaning without having to re-wash all the Tupperware ) Infant Tylonol and tummy drops, a decent carpet cleaner, and of coarse the most important of all wonderful and always willing grandparents.
Tell me of your favorite baby items, or things that make life a little easier.

Thank you.
Home Daddy.

House work slipping.

2005-11-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

With Taylor wanting more and more of my time I find my house work slipping. She is trying to help out now by throwing things away like her dirty diapers and the junk mail that she enjoys shredding, I just need to keep an eye on what she is tossing in the can before I find things missing like my wallet or car keys. After a couple of hours of play I'm ready for a nap. I tried taking a weekend off and found myself playing catch-up for the next three days. My living room and kitchen is in a constant mode of re-arrangement, trying to find a more efficient layout. I think I've just about got it together, I still need to find a place to put a shelf for the diapers and wipes.

High chair vs. Table

2005-10-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have become a slave to the high chair cleaning it three or four times a day, not to mention anything within two feet of it. I have even made slip covers to try to minimize on washing the pad. So here is what I'm am wondering, is the table harder to keep clean. We will be getting one soon, but is it worth getting earlier.

The baby manual.

2005-09-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

This being our first child made everything a new experience. We didn't know if most of it was normal. Like the time we noticed she would stare at the ceiling fan lights completely zoned out, I thought she might be having seizures . Turned out that was fine. Maybe it was all just my paranoid mind not getting enough sleep.I was surprised to find a lot of very useful information in a couple of books, What to expect when your expecting, and What to expect the first year. I call them the baby manual's .

Questions or answers.

2005-09-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

If you have any questions about fatherhood, parenting, or leaving the work force to care for a child and home, this is the place to ask them. If you have answers, ideas, or suggestions to any of the questions posted, please feel free to express them. I'm sure they will help someone somewhere.

Thank you.